Defrost apparatus and method thereof

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/325,148, filed Jul. 7, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,723,864, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) toco-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/843,437,filed Jul. 7, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present general inventive concept relates to a defrosting system andmethod, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method of utilizinga fluid-push/pull system and/or continuous motion fluid system as partof a defrost system and method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pot and pan washing machines, of the type used in restaurants,institutions and other eating facilities often involve a large wash tankor basin in which water (mixed with detergent, generally a cleaning“fluid”) is circulated within a wash tank to wash the “wares” (i.e.pots, pans, utensils, flatware/silverware, etc.) to provide a washingaction. One such machine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,436 issuedto Cantrell et al. (the “'436 Patent”), the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference. The machine of the '436 Patentincludes a wash tank with multiple jets evenly spaced apart at anelevated position along the rear wall of the wash tank. The tank isfilled with water/detergent (fluid) to a level above the position of thejets. Pots and pans and other wares are placed in the wash tank, and apump is activated to draw fluid from within the wash tank and direct itthrough the jets to create a jet stream. Each jet directs its jet streamtoward the bottom wall of the wash tank, the bottom wall then deflectsthe jet stream upward and towards the front wall of the tank. The frontwall then deflects the upward moving jet stream towards the rear wall ofthe tank, and the rear wall deflects the jet stream downward and backtowards the front wall along the bottom wall. The combination ofdeflections of the jet stream from the bottom, front and rear wallsprovides a rolling washing action within the wash tank that results ineffective cleaning of all surfaces of the wares being washed.

Additional improvements to the washing machine and method of washingwares are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,496 (the “'496Patent”), U.S. application Ser. No. 12/697,534 (the “'534” Application),and U.S. Ser. No. 12/842,984 (the “'984” Application), the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. For instance,the '496 Patent discloses a powered utensil basket that captures a jetstream from the washing machine in which the basket is located tomaintain the washing action of the machine within the basket; the '534Application discloses a washing system and method for washing small,irregularly shaped objects; and the '984 Application discloses a washingsystem and method for washing produce.

Although the prior art washing machine disclosed in the '436 Patentprovides an exceptional wash action for washing items, it is notdesigned for defrosting items. Nevertheless, it is desirable to defrostmany food and other frozen items in fluid to increase defrost efficiencyand safety. Furthermore, although the additional features disclosed inthe '496 Patent, the '534 Application, and the '984 Application improveupon the system and method for washing items, they alone are notsufficient to enable utilization of the washing machine for defrostingitems. Thus it would be beneficial to provide systems and methods ofsafely and rapidly defrosting food items in commercial restaurants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present general inventive concept is to provide systemsand methods of safely and rapidly defrosting food items in commercialrestaurants.

An other object of the present general inventive concept is to provide adefrosting system that supports frozen food packages in an orientationthat is conducive to defrosting.

An other object of the present general inventive concept is to provide adefrosting system that has one or more racks to support frozen foodpackages.

Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide adefrosting system that exposes generally all surfaces of frozen items toconvective heat transfer from fluid streams to effectively defrost suchitems.

Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide adefrosting system that utilizes a fluid-push/pull (draft or inductionsystem) to forcibly push/pull, channel or funnel fluid around allsurfaces of submerged frozen items.

Still another object of the present general inventive concept is toprovide a fluid-push/pull, draft or induction system to forciblypush/pull, channel or funnel fluid around all surfaces of submergedfrozen items in such a way that the fluid has no alternative path but totravel through generally an entire mass of submerged items.

Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide asystem that is a stand-alone unit.

Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide asystem that is compact.

Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide astandalone system that occupies a generally small footprint.

Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide asystem that drops into a counter-top and/or that is built into acounter-top.

Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide asystem that is energy efficient.

Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide anefficient method of defrosting frozen items that conserves fluid, useswater/fluid more effectively, and consumes minimal operator time.

The above objects of the instant inventive concept are accomplishedthrough the use of a system that includes a manifolding to direct a flowof fluid (such as water) through a cavity (or cavities) containingfrozen items, such as frozen food packages. A pumping system (includinga propeller, impellor or other suitable pumping method, as well asappropriate manifolding) moves the fluid through the pumping system(including appropriate manifolding) to create a substantial flow offluid through generally the entire cavity (cavities). Fluid is forcedthrough the cavity (cavities) and thus around the frozen food packagespositioned within the cavity (cavities). In some preferred embodiments,the fluid essentially is provided no alternative path of travel tocirculate through the defrosting system other than directly throughgenerally the entire mass of frozen food items located within the cavity(cavities). As a result, the flow of fluid more fully and closelysurrounds and travels around the entire surface of each frozen item (orone or more other objects/parts) within the cavity (cavities) whichsubstantially improves upon stagnant fluid thawing systems.

In some embodiments, the pumping system generally pushes fluid throughsaid cavity (cavities). In such embodiments, one or more openings of thecavity (cavities) are located at the discharge location of the pumpingsystem, and the fluid flow from the discharge of the pumping system isforced through the cavity (cavities) and thus through (or around) theobject(s) contained therein. The fluid is returned to the pumping systemafter it has been forced around the surfaces of the object(s) in thecavity (cavities) via one or more openings at the intake location of thepumping system. In some such embodiments, the cavity (cavities) isgenerally open at the intake location of the pumping system to providelittle to no back pressure, except for gravity which ultimately assistsin directing the flow of fluid from the cavity back into the pumpingsystem. In other such embodiments, a closed fluid circuit is utilized.

In some embodiments, the pumping system generally pulls fluid throughsaid cavity (cavities). In such embodiments, one or more openings of thecavity (cavities) are located at the intake location of the pumpingsystem, and the fluid flow from the intake of the pumping system pullsfluid out of the cavity (cavities) and thus through (or around) theobject(s) contained therein. The fluid is returned to the pumping systemafter it has been forced around the surfaces of the object(s) in thecavity (cavities) via one or more openings at the discharge location ofthe pumping system. In some embodiments, the cavity (cavities) isgenerally open at the discharge location of the pumping system toprovide little to no back pressure, except for gravity which ultimatelyassists in directing the flow of fluid from the pumping system back intothe cavity (cavities). In alternative embodiments, a closed fluidcircuit is utilized.

In some embodiments of both the fluid push and fluid pull embodimentsdiscussed above, the flow of fluid from the pumping system discharge isallowed to change velocity and/or direction through the use of gravityprior to its return through the pumping system. In other words, thepumping system intake (draw) is not the only influence in the directionand/or velocity in which the fluid flows from the pumping systemdischarge through the cavity (cavities) and/or the manifolding. Inalternative embodiments, the design of the structure of the cavity(cavities) and/or the manifolding significantly alters at least aportion of the flow direction and/or velocity of fluid through thecavity (cavities).

In one embodiment, the pumping system is capable of operation in bothforward and reverse directions, such that the pumping system mayalternatively be operated in a first direction to push fluid into theopening(s) of the cavity (cavities), in a second direction to pull fluiddown through the opening(s) of the cavity (cavities). In one suchembodiment, a control system of the pumping system automaticallyoscillates the pumping system between forward and reverse directionsduring a defrost cycle (i.e. 10 minutes forward and then 10 minutesreverse or 10 minutes forward, 10 minutes off, 10 minutes reverse,etc.). In still another embodiment, a control system of the pumpingsystem pulses operation of the pumping system to pulsate the flow offluid through the cavity (cavities) of the defrosting system of theinventive concept. For example, the pumping system may be pulsed tooperate in the forward direction for 1 minute and then turned off forone minute (or forward 1 minute, off 1 minute, reverse 1 minute, etc.).

In some embodiments, the manifolding is created at least in part by thehousing of the defrosting system.

In yet other embodiments, a wall (or walls) of the cavity (cavities)forms at least a part of the manifolding. In some such embodiments, thecavity (cavities) wall (or walls) includes openings (perforations,holes, slots, vents, etc.) to allow fluid to flow between the cavity(cavities) and the pumping system. In some embodiments, one or more wallopenings are located toward the top of the cavity (cavities) to resultin a generally vertical fluid path through the cavity (cavities) duringoperation of the inventive system. In other embodiments, the wallopening(s) are also located toward the lower half of the cavity(cavities) to result in an at least a partially horizontal fluid paththrough the cavity (cavities) during operation of the inventive system(i.e. the draw of the pumping system will alter a portion of the fluidpath from vertical to horizontal, or from horizontal to vertical,depending upon the direction of operation of the pumping system). Thisaids in eliminating “dead zones” (areas of stagnant defrosting fluid)within the cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the density of the wallopening(s) located toward the lower half of the cavity (cavities) islower than the density of the wall opening(s) located toward the upperhalf of the cavity (cavities), such that the fluid path through thecavity (cavities) is substantially vertical. It will be appreciated thatthe density and/or pattern of wall opening(s) in the wall(s) of thecavity (cavities) may be varied considerably depending upon the desiredand/or optimal fluid flow path through the cavity (cavities) and withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

In other embodiments, the intake/discharge opening(s) in the cavity(cavities), the structure of the cavity (cavities), and/or the structureof the pumping system, are configured to provide a generally even flowof fluid across substantially an entire cross section of the cavity(cavities), where fluid is present, and preferably through generally theentire volume, of the cavity (cavities). In one such embodiment, thecavity (cavities) includes tubes, vanes or baffles extending toward,into or through the opening(s) from the cavity (cavities) toward thepumping system intake (when the pumping system is pulling fluid throughthe cavity) or discharge (when the pumping system is pushing fluidthrough the cavity) to help direct the flow of fluid from and/or intothe cavity (cavities). In one embodiment, the tubes, vanes or bafflesare part of an intake/discharge plate that is located at the pumpingsystem intake location of the cavity (cavities) when the pumping systemis pulling fluid through the cavity (cavities), or at the pumping systemdischarge location when the pumping system is pushing fluid through thecavity (cavities), between the intake/discharge (when pulling/pushingrespectively) opening(s) and the pumping system. In another embodiment,the intake/discharge opening(s) of the cavity (cavities) and thediameter of the intake/discharge of the pumping system generally spansacross the entire end of the cavity (cavities) to create the generallyeven flow of fluid through the cavity.

In some embodiments, the systems, or variations thereof, described aboveare utilized as a defrosting system for frozen food items to safely andrapidly defrost food items in commercial restaurants/kitchens. In somesuch embodiments, the cavity (cavities) includes one or more racks forholding frozen food item packages therein. The racks hold the items in amanner that allows the fluid within the system to circulate around thefrozen packages as it is pulled or pushed through the cavity (cavities).In some embodiments, the system includes a cooling unit in associationwith the pumping system to maintain fluid temperature within apredetermined temperature range for safe rapid defrosting. In anothersuch embodiment the cooling unit is a solid state device that can makeheat or cool and that is attached to the body of the system to maintainthe desired temperature throughout the defrosting process. In someembodiments one or more temperature sensors or thermistors are utilizedin combination with a controller for the system to measure temperaturechanges and/or heating/cooling and utilize thermodynamic principles todetermine when an item has been defrosted and provide a visual oraudible signal to a system user that the item is defrosted. In some suchembodiments, the system assumes a base temperature of frozen items andmeasures temperature changes to the fluid after the items are addedand/or during the defrosting process. In some embodiments, the systemincludes one or more fluid level sensors, or other suitable sensors,that measure the amount of displacement of fluid within the cavity(cavities) as items are added to the cavities to aid in the controlsystem determining or estimating defrost time.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of thepresent general inventive concept and are not meant in a limiting sense.Many possible embodiments of the present general inventive concept maybe made and will be readily evident upon a study of the followingspecification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof.Various features and subcombinations of present general inventiveconcept may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this present generalinventive concept will become apparent from the following descriptiontaken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forthby way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this presentgeneral inventive concept and various features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present general inventive concept,illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplatedapplying the principles, is set forth in the following description andis shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a defrosting system of an embodimentof the present general inventive concept.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation sectional view of the defrosting system ofFIG. 1 taken along line A-A.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective sectional view of the defrosting system ofFIG. 1 taken along line A-A.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the defrosting system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation sectional view of a defrosting system ofanother embodiment of the present general inventive concept similar tothat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation sectional view of a defrosting system ofstill another embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the defrosting system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a removable cavity of thedefrosting system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a defrosting system of yet anotherembodiment of the present general inventive concept.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the defrosting system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation sectional view of the defrosting system ofFIG. 10 taken along line A-A.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of area B shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation exploded view of another embodiment of adefrosting system of the present general inventive concept similar tothat of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a defrosting system of yet anotherembodiment of the present general inventive concept.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a removable basket of thedefrosting system of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of a control panel/display screen fora defrosting system of the inventive concept showing various controlbuttons and indicators.

FIG. 17 (FIGS. 17A through 17C) is a logic flow chart illustrating anembodiment of the method of operation of a system of the inventiveconcept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment ismerely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

A method of defrosting items 30 in a defrosting machine 1 is provided.An embodiment of the method includes the following steps. A cavity 10 ofthe defrosting machine 1 is filled with a defrosting fluid. A fluidlevel sensor identifies when the fluid level in the cavity 10 hasreached a prescribed threshold fluid level. After the fluid reaches thethreshold fluid level, a temperature sensor measures the temperature ofthe defrosting fluid and compares it to a first predeterminedtemperature range. In one such embodiment, the first predeterminedtemperature range is 38 F +/−1 F. In other such embodiments, the firstpredetermined temperature range is based upon local food safetyrequirements and/or operator preferences. In some embodiments, thetemperature range is pre-programed into the control system of thedefrosting machine. In other embodiments, the temperature range iscapable of being adjusted by an operator.

If the measured temperature is outside of the first predeterminedtemperature range, a control system prevents a fluid pump of thedefrosting machine 1 from engaging. If the measured temperature iswithin the first predetermined temperature range, the control systemilluminates a first indicator to indicate that a user may begin adefrost cycle, the control system enables a start button to allow a userto begin a defrost cycle, and/or in some embodiments the control systemautomatically begins a defrosting cycle.

In some embodiments, the defrosting machine 1 includes a means ofheating and/or cooling the defrosting fluid to reach and/or maintain atemperature within a predetermined temperature range. In otherembodiments, the defrosting machine 1 includes audible and/or visualindications that the fluid temperature is above or below thepredetermined temperature range. In one such embodiment, at least onesuch audible or visual indicator indicates that a user should add ice tothe defrosting fluid. In another such embodiment, at least one suchaudible or visual indicator indicates that a user should change thedefrosting fluid.

The method of defrosting items 30 also optionally includes the step ofmonitoring the fluid temperature throughout the defrosting process anduntil the defrosted items 30 are removed from the defrosting machine 1.For instance, if the temperature of the defrosting fluid becomes toocold after transferring heat energy to the frozen items 30, the controlsystem engages a heating device to introduce additional heat energy tothe defrosting fluid. In another example, if the temperature of thedefrosting fluid becomes too warm, the control system engages an audibleand/or visual indicator warning a user that ice should be added to thewater, that the defrosting fluid should be replaced, and/or that theitems 30 should be removed.

In one embodiment, the control system is programed to perform differentfunctions and/or provide different indications depending on how high thetemperature of the defrosting fluid is relative to predeterminedtemperature ranges. In such an embodiment, the control system isprogramed with a first, second, and third temperature range. When themeasured temperature range is above the first temperature range butinside the second and third temperature ranges, the control systemprovides a first indicator directing a user to add ice to the defrostingfluid. When the measured temperature is above the second temperaturerange but inside the third temperature range, the control systemprovides a second indicator that the water should be changed and/or thatthe items 30 should be removed from the defrosting machine 1 whenconvenient. When the measured temperature is above the third temperaturerange, the control system provides a third indicator that the watershould be changed and/or the items 30 should be removed from thedefrosting machine 1 as soon as possible. In this way, a control systemcan be programed to provide a user with a more noticable warning whenthe risk of food spoilage is greater.

In another embodiment, the control system is programed to performdifferent functions and/or provide different indications depending onhow low the temperature of the defrosting fluid is relative topredetermined temperature ranges. In such an embodiment, the controlsystem is programed with a first and second temperature range. When themeasured temperature range is below the first temperature range butinside the second temperature range, the control system engages aheating device (not shown) to introduce additional heat energy into thedefrosting fluid. When the measured temperature is below the secondtemperature range, the control system provides an indication that thedefrosting fluid should be replaced and/or the control system initiatesa process of draining the existing defrosting fluid and refilling thecavity with new defrosting fluid. In this way, in some embodiments thecontrol system is programed to minimize the risk of overworking aheating device when the heat energy required to increase the temperatureof the defrosting fluid is beyond the capabilities of the heatingdevice.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the defrosting machine 1 isa continuous motion style defrosting machine 1. Referring to FIGS. 1-5,one embodiment of a continuous motion style defrosting machine 1includes a generally cylindrical housing 5 with inwardly curved upperand lower portions 6 and 7 that act as a manifolding to respectivelydirect a flow of fluid to and from an impeller 9 and through a cavity 10for holding frozen items 30. Although impeller 9 shown in the embodimentof FIGS. 1-5 is a centrifugal-type impeller, it will be appreciated thata centrifugal-type pumping system, a propeller-type pumping system, orany other type of pumping system now known or hereafter developed thatis suitable for moving a large volume of fluid may be utilized in any ofthe embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the instant invention.

The housing 5 is filled with defrosting fluid (water or other suitablefluid), preferably to a level near or above the top of the cavity 10.Upon activation of motor 60 which drives the impeller 9, a vacuum iscreated that pulls fluid into impeller 9. A stream of fluid is thenejected, pushed, or otherwise diverted from the impeller 9 in a lateraldirection and to the lower portion 7. The wall of lower portion 7changes/redirects the direction of the fluid ninety degrees (90° towardan upward direction as the fluid flows along an interior, generallystraight wall 8 of the housing 5. The straight wall 8 connects to theupper portion 6 of the housing 5. As the fluid reaches the upper portion6, the direction of the stream of fluid is redirected by the upperportion 6 of the housing and/or by gravity toward the center of thehousing 5 and downward through cavity 10. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-5, the path of the stream of fluid is redirected by upperportion 6 of housing 5 at an angle of approximately 120°. Nevertheless,it will be appreciated that the angles at which the stream of fluid maybe redirected at any particular point within housing 5 (e.g. by lowerportion 7, by upper portion 6, or by additional manifolding structuresanywhere therebetween or otherwise within housing 5 and/or by gravity)will vary considerably without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe instant invention and that alternative manifold structures will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The downwardly-directed fluid enters the cavity 10, which in a preferredembodiment includes one or more support racks 12 (shown in FIG. 5) forsupporting frozen items 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the cavity 10 includes abottom surface 13, side surfaces 14, and an open top 15. The open topresults in little to no back pressure, except for gravity which assistsin directing the flow of fluid into cavity 10. Bottom surface 13includes opening 20 to provide an intake port between cavity 10 andinterior 70 of impeller 9. In an embodiment, a perforated screen islocated over opening 20 to prevent items 30 from being pulled intoimpeller 9 during operation. It will be appreciated that alternativestructures for opening 20 and bottom surface 13 will be utilized inother embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of theinstant invention. For example, in one alternative embodiment, opening20 comprises multiple small apertures/perforations through surface 13,such that surface 13 itself acts as a screen to prevent items 30 frombeing pulled into impeller 9 while at the same time allowing fluid to bedrawn into impeller 9 through the apertures. It will further beappreciated that the dimensions and shape of opening 20, as well as thesize of impeller 9, will vary significantly in alternative embodimentsdepending upon the desired flow characteristics. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 1-5, the diameter of the intake (opening 20) of cavity 10 isconsiderably smaller than the diameter of cavity 10 itself. Thus, itwill be appreciated that various embodiments will include tubes, vanesor baffles extending toward, into or through opening 20 of cavity 10 andtoward impeller 9 to help direct the flow of fluid from cavity 10 toimpeller 9. In one embodiment, the tubes, vanes or baffles are part of aplate that is located at opening 20 (either partially or totally withincavity 10 or partially or totally within the manifolding, or partiallywithin cavity 10 and partially within the manifolding). In anotherembodiment, the opening 20 generally extends across the entire area ofbottom surface 13, such that a generally even flow is created throughthe entire volume of cavity 10. In still another embodiment, the shapeor other design elements of the manifolding help to direct the flow offluid from cavity 10 to impeller 9. It will be appreciated, thatalthough the flow control structures described above are discussed inconnection with a system in which fluid is pulled from cavity 10 toimpeller 9, the same or similar control structures will also be utilizedin connection with some embodiments of systems in which fluid is pushedinto the cavity from a propeller or other pumping method. Furthermore,it will be appreciated that the flow control structures, and othervarious components of the defrosting apparatuses discussed in anyembodiment herein may be interchangeable with similar components inother embodiments discussed herein and/or in other non-discussedembodiments that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the side surfaces 14 are arrangedtogether such that cavity 10 is generally cube shaped (square in ahorizontal cross-section as shown in FIG. 5). Such a shape allows forthe use of conventional support racks 12 within cavity 10. Nevertheless,it will be appreciated that the shape of cavity 10 used in connectionwith any of the embodiments discussed herein may be altered withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. Forexample purposes only, the cross-sectional shape of cavity 10 in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 in other embodiments will be rectangular,circular, triangular, or any other shape desired rather than the squareshape shown. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the upper edges 35 ofside surfaces 14 are beveled upward and outward toward a separateinternal side wall 14 a of housing 5. The internal side wall 14 acreates a generally cylindrical manifolding cavity with wall 8. Thegenerally cylindrical shape of the manifolding cavity allows for agenerally laminar flow of fluid from impeller 9 and into cavity 10.Notwithstanding, it will be appreciated that in other embodimentsalternative shapes will be utilized without departing from the spiritand scope of the instant invention. Moreover, it will be appreciatedthat in some embodiments internal side wall 14 a will be eliminatedentirely without departing from the spirit and scope of the instantinvention.

Cavity 10 is supported within housing 5 by web sections 37 which spanfrom wall 8 of housing 5 to wall 14 of the cavity 10. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1-5, four web sections 37 are utilized to connect wall 8of housing 5 to each of the four corners of the generally cube-shapedcavity 10. Web sections 37 include openings 21 to allow fluid to flowfreely within the entire volume of the manifolding created by cavity 10and housing 5. It will be appreciated that in some embodimentsalternative structures and arrangements of web sections 37 will beutilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instantinvention. For example purposes only, an alternative embodiment willutilize two (2) web sections rather than four, and the size and shape ofopenings 21 in some embodiments will be altered significantly from thatshown in FIGS. 1-5.

The support rack 12 in various embodiments will be a single rack, or aplurality of racks, of which one, some, or all will or will not beremovable from the cavity 10. In one embodiment all support rack(s) areremovable from cavity 10. In an embodiment, the support rack 12 includesone or more internal walls bridging the side surface 14 of cavity 10,sized and shaped to maintain a desired orientation of the frozen items30. For instance, the frozen items 30 are in various embodimentspositioned standing up, laying down, angled, and/or stacked or piled ontop of each other depending upon the structural design of the supportrack and/or cavity 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, multiplesupport racks 12 are stacked or stackable on top of one another. In analternative embodiment, multiple support racks (compartments, orcavities) are oriented along side each other (i.e. side by side insteadof on top of one another).

The impeller 9 both pulls fluid from opening 20 of cavity 10 anddischarges fluid into open top 15 of cavity 10, creating a generallyeven flow of fluid through the entire volume of the cavity 10. Thisgenerally high volume of fluid forces the fluid to flow through cavity10 more fully such that the flow of fluid more closely surrounds theentire surface of each piece of frozen item 30 within the cavity 10. Theflow of fluid through cavity 10, essentially has no alternative path butto travel through generally the entire mass of frozen items 30 withincavity 10 (e.g. around all exposed surfaces of each item). Thus,deflections are greatly reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing 5 in capable of beingdisassembled for easy cleaning. In one embodiment, the housing iscapable of being disassembled into three sections, i.e., the upperportion 6 may be removed at the internal straight wall 8, which is alsocapable of being removed at the lower portion 7. The upper portion 6,internal straight wall 8, and lower portion 7 are capable of beingsecurely coupled using latches (not illustrated), screwed together withcorresponding inner and outer threaded surface, or other like engagementmeans.

In one embodiment, fluid (i.e. water, etc.) is automatically and/ormanually input into and/or output from the system. In one embodiment,water is input into cavity 10 through the generally open central portionof the top surface of housing 5. In another embodiment, a drain (notshown) is located along bottom surface 50, to allow fluid (water, etc.)to be quickly and easily removed from the system. Once the system 1 isfilled with fluid (water, etc.), the system 1 is self-sustaining suchthat fluid need not be added for a certain amount of time, e.g., untilthe fluid temperature is beyond a predetermined temperature threshold.In a preferred embodiment, system 1 is filled to a level of fluid abovethe top of upper beveled edges 35 such that the fluid fills the cavity10 as well as the manifolding created by the housing 5. In oneembodiment, an overflow drain is included above the preferred fluidlevel to prevent overflow of system 1.

In one embodiment, the system 1 of the instant invention is astand-alone unit that is capable of being located in any convenientlocation in kitchen or restaurant. As is shown in FIG. 5, such anembodiment includes legs 62 extending from housing 5 and wheels 64 toallow the unit to be easily moved. In another embodiment, the system 1of the instant invention is capable of being mounted within (or droppedinto) a countertop or table. In one such embodiment, housing 5 includesannular lip 66 that allows system 1 to be dropped into a cutout in thecountertop/table in the same or similar manner in which a sink/basinwould be installed.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 8 another embodiment of a defrostingmachine 1 is shown and described in which cavity 10 is removably locatedwithin housing 5. Cavity 10 is a bucket-type container that includeshandle 115 for removing cavity 10 from housing 5, and includes generallyperforated bottom 117 to allow fluid to flow into and/or out of thebottom of cavity 10 while at the same time maintaining frozen items 30within cavity 10. Web sections 37 extend from the inner surfaces ofhousing 5 toward its center. Web sections 37 are connected to perforatedintake member 110 which covers propeller 9, and to perforated uppersupport member 120. Intake member 110 acts as a shelf on which cavity 10is positioned during operation of system 1. Upper support member 120provides support for web sections 37 and also acts as a guide forpositioning cavity 10 properly within housing 5. The perforated surfaceof upper support member 120 allows fluid to flow through as system 1operates. Upper support member 120 includes grip member 125 for easyremoval of support member 120 for cleaning.

Housing 5 shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 is generally octagonal in shape forease of manufacturing. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that invarious embodiments any shape of housing will be utilized in connectionwith the embodiment of FIGS. 6 through 8 (or in any other embodiment)without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.Furthermore, it will be appreciated that alternative housing andcomponent structures, such as double-skinned or insulated walls, will beutilized in other embodiments without departing from the spirit andscope of the instant invention.

In operation, cavity 10 is filled with frozen items 30 and is positionedwithin housing 5 onto intake member 110. In the embodiment shown,numerous pieces of frozen items 30 are randomly pilled on top of oneanother into a mass within cavity 10 and/or oriented separate from oneanother (such as through use of a rack of the type discussed below withrespect to FIG. 15. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated, that supportracks similar to those discussed above with respect to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1-5 will also be utilized in some embodiments. Cavity 10and/or housing 5 is filled with fluid (note that housing 5 is capable ofbeing filed while cavity 10 is removed, or while cavity 10 is locatedwithin housing 5) to a level preferably above the frozen items 30 (i.e.the frozen items 30 are completely submerged) and that is preferablyabove upper support member 120. Motor 60 is activated to drive propeller9 to cause the flow of fluid through cavity 10. Preferably, thedirection of motor 60 is capable of being reversed to alternately drivepropeller 9 in either a forward or reverse direction. In one of theforward or reverse directions, propeller 9 will create a suction thatpulls fluid downward through intake member 110. In the other of theforward or reverse directions, propeller 9 will push water upwardthrough intake member 110 (making intake member 110 actually adischarge). Regardless of the flow direction, housing 5 and the outerwall of cavity 10 act as a manifolding to circulate fluid that is drawnby propeller 9. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the diameter ofpropeller 9 and intake member 110 are equal to the diameter of, orgenerally span across the entire perforated bottom 117 of cavity 10.This creates a generally even flow of fluid through the entire volume ofcavity 10. It will be appreciated that to create a flow of fluid throughthe entire volume of cavity 10, particularly when cavity 10 is full offrozen items, the pumping system in this embodiment must be powerfulenough to create a column of fluid that can blast through the entireflood plane created within filled cavity 10. The specific designparameters needed to enable the pumping system (including, but notnecessarily limited to the size of motor 60 and the size, shape, etc. ofpropeller 9) to create a desired flow of fluid through the entire volumeof cavity 10, and through (around all surfaces of) the frozen items 30loaded within cavity 10, will vary depending upon factors such as thesize and shape of cavity 10, as well as desired load capability forcavity 10, and will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill inthe art.

Referring to FIGS. 9 through 13 two similar variations of otherembodiments of a defrosting system are shown. The defrosting system ofFIGS. 9 through 12 is particularly well-suited for pulling defrostingfluid (water, etc.) downward through cavity 10 from/by propeller 9,while the system of FIG. 13 is particularly well-suited for pushingdefrosting fluid upward through cavity 10. Nevertheless, it will beappreciated that in various embodiments the structure of FIGS. 9 through12 will also be utilized in connection with a system in which fluid ispushed upward through cavity 10, and/or in connection with a system inwhich the direction of fluid flow is oscillated between forward andreverse directions (i.e. 10 minutes forward, then 10 minutes reverse,etc.) during a defrosting cycle to both push and pull fluid throughcavity 10 by propeller 9. Likewise, it will be appreciated that invarious embodiments the structure of FIG. 13 will also be utilized inconnection with a system in which fluid is pulled downward throughcavity 10, and/or in connection with a system in which the direction offluid flow is oscillated between forward and reverse directions (i.e. 10minutes forward, then 10 minutes reverse, etc.) during a defrostingcycle to both push and pull fluid through cavity 10 by propeller 9. Itwill also be appreciated that although the structures of the embodimentsdescribed in connection with FIGS. 1 through 8 are particularlywell-suited for pulling fluid downward through cavity 10 byimpeller/propeller 9, in some embodiments those structures will beutilized in connection with a system in which fluid is pushed upwardthrough cavity 10, and/or in connection with a system in which thedirection of fluid is oscillated between forward and reverse directionsto both push and pull fluid through cavity 10.

As is shown in FIGS. 9 through 13, cavity 10 is removably positionedwithin housing 5 of defrosting system 1. Cavity 10, includes handles 215for easy removal and reinsertion of cavity 10 within housing 5. Thisallows cavity 10 to be loaded with frozen items 30 prior to insertioninto housing 5 of defrosting system 1. Cavity 10 includes perforations243 and 245 located toward the upper and lower portions of the walls ofcavity 10 respectively (discussed in further detail below). This createstwo defrosting actions, in a situation in which the system is operatingin an upward direction (i.e. pushing fluid upward through cavity 10 frompropeller 9): 1) a first action is to push fluid up through (around allexposed surfaces of each of) the frozen items 30, as the fluidapproaches the top of cavity 10 gravity reduces the upward velocity ofthe fluid and ultimately causes the fluid path to change from an upwardto a downward direction and then the fluid ultimately is pulled throughthe perforations (243) located toward the top of cavity 10 to return topropeller 9 through the manifolding that is created by housing 5 andcavity 10; and 2) the second action is to pull fluid horizontally towardthe side of cavity 10 through the perforations (245) located toward thelower end of cavity 10 (i.e. the velocity and/or direction of the flowof fluid is altered from generally vertical as it is discharged from thepropeller 9, to generally horizontal), then through the manifolding toreturn to propeller 9. Similarly, in a situation in which the system isoperating in a downward direction (i.e. by pulling fluid downwardthrough cavity 10 by propeller 9): 1) a first action is to pull fluiddownward through cavity 10 and through (around all exposed surfaces ofeach of) the frozen items 30, the fluid is then directed back upwardthrough the manifolding and toward the top of cavity 10; and 2) thesecond action is to pull fluid horizontally from the manifolding towardthe center of cavity 10 through the perforations (245). The second,horizontal action helps to eliminate or minimize any “dead zones” withincavity 10, resulting generally in a flow of fluid through the entirevolume of cavity 10.

As is shown in more detail in FIG. 10, cavity 10 includes a generallysquare or rectangular bottom. The square/rectangular bottom works wellfor loading frozen items 30 into cavity 10, due to the generally longand narrow rectangular/box shapes and sizes of those items. This shapeallows generally a larger portion of the volume of cavity 10 to befilled with frozen items 30. Alternatively, if a rounded shape is used,similar to that shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, the frozen items 30 willtend to create a chord across the circular shape, and less items will belocated outside the chord region than toward the center of the circle.Although the bottom of cavity 10 is square/rectangular, the opening atthe bottom of cavity 10 is round in shape to mate with the shape of therotational path of propeller 9, which pulls (or pushes) a generallycircular column of fluid upward through cavity 10. This createspotential dead zones 240 at the corners of cavity 10, in which little orno vertical fluid flow will take place. As shown in FIG. 10, in theembodiment of FIGS. 9 through 12 perforations are located along thebottom corners of cavity 10 to push or draw fluid through the dead zones240 in a generally vertical manner. The vertical draw is created by thedraw force of propeller 9 of the pumping system when the system isoperating in an upward manner (i.e. fluid is being pushed upward throughcavity 10 by propeller 9). The vertical pushing force is created by thedischarge of propeller 9 as it is directed upward by the manifolding ofhousing 5 when the system is operating in a downward manner (i.e. thefluid is being pulled downward through cavity 10 by propeller 9). Also,in both the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 12 and that shown inFIG. 13, perforations 245 are included at the lower corners of cavity 10to draw fluid through the dead zones 240 in a generally horizontalmanner. This horizontal draw is created by the draw force of propeller 9of the pumping system when the system is operating in both an upward anda downward manner.

As is shown in FIG. 13, perforations 243 are located generally evenlythroughout the entire upper portion of the walls of cavity 10; while thelower portion of the walls includes perforations 245 only at the cornersof cavity 10 and otherwise includes solid wall portions 247 away fromthe corners. As is shown by flow lines 270 in FIG. 13, this designallows for some horizontal linear flow through cavity 10 at the cornersof cavity 10, while at the same time allowing for generally verticallinear flow through the majority of the volume of cavity 10. It will beappreciated that in various embodiments the perforation pattern ofcavity 10 will be modified to optimize the desired flow path of fluidthrough cavity 10.

As is shown in both embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 13, cavity 10 has agenerally tapered shape from top to bottom in which the top is generallywider in diameter than the bottom of cavity 10. The top of cavity 10further includes an annular lip that surrounds housing 5 such that whencavity 10 is placed within housing 5 and the lip holds cavity 10securely within housing 5. Cavity 10 is further supported within housingby shroud subassembly 250, on which the bottom of cavity 10 is placedand rests when cavity 10 is located within housing 5. The tapered shapeof cavity 10, compared to the generally vertical walls of housing 5create an open space or manifolding between the walls of cavity 10 andhousing 5.

Referring to FIG. 13, an exploded view of the components to system 1 isshown. It will be appreciated that although similar components arecapable of being used in both the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 12and that shown in FIG. 13, various differences in individual componentswill be desirable in some embodiments, particularly due to the fact thatthe embodiment of FIGS. 9-12 is particularly well-suited for pullingcleaning fluid (water/detergent, etc.) downward through cavity 10from/by propeller 9, while the system of FIG. 13 is particularlywell-suited for pushing cleaning fluid upward through cavity 10. Forexample, the orientation of propeller 9 is upside down in FIGS. 9-12when compared to that of FIG. 13 to provide better flow in the preferredpulling direction. As a result, the size, shape and structural design ofvarious components such as the impeller cap, seals and shaft extensionall differ to accommodate the different orientation of propeller 9.Furthermore, the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12 includes a number of verticalpanels arranged in a radial pattern directly below propeller 9 to assistthe flow of fluid as it is discharged from propeller 9. The verticalpanels aid in converting rotational energy from the propeller into amore linear flow of the fluid. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated thatvarious other structures for assisting the flow of fluid through thesystem of the instant invention will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art upon learning of the instant inventive concept.

As is shown in FIG. 13, cavity 10, fits within housing 5 with theannular lip of cavity 10 surrounding the outer edge of the opening ofhousing 5 to support cavity 10 in position within housing 5. Cavity 10further is supported in position within housing 5 by sitting on top ofshroud subassembly 250, which surrounds propeller 9. Shroud subassembly250 aids in restricting the flow path generated by propeller 9 through agenerally solid-walled section that surrounds propeller. Fluid eitherenters (in a system in which propeller 9 pushes fluid upward into cavity10) or is discharged from (in a system in which propeller 9 pulls fluiddownward through cavity 10) shroud subassembly 250 through slots, holesor other openings located in shroud subassembly 250 generally belowpropeller 9. Propeller 9 is mounted to the shaft of motor 60 using capscrew 261, self sealing washers 262, impeller cap 263 and cap seal 264.The assembly for mounting propeller 9 to the shaft of motor 60 furtherincludes quad ring 265, shaft extension 266, o-ring 267, pump shaftsleeve 268, rotating seal 269, cap screw 271, seal housing 272, fixedseal 273, quad ring 274, and cap screw 275. Motor 60 is mounted belowhousing 5 with the shaft extending into housing 5. Motor 60 is mountedto housing 5 using motor plate 276 and motor plate gasket 277 withinhousing 5; cap screw 275 and cap screws/hex bolts 278 and lock washers279 are located below housing 5 to hold motor plate 276 in position. Pin294 is located within a fluid drainage passageway into motor plate 276.Pin 294 closes off a horizontal portion of the passageway to directfluid only through a vertical portion of passageway and out throughtubing 292. This allows for drainage of any fluid that may push throughthe seals. Referring to FIG. 12, the mounting assembly of motor 60(which is essentially the same for both the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9through 11 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 13) is shown in furtherdetail. As is shown in FIG. 12, motor 60 is mounted to housing 5 throughthe use of hex bolts 278 which extend through helical spring lockwashers 279 below housing 5, through the bottom of housing 5, furtherthrough motor plate gasket 277 and into motor plate 276 located withinhousing 5. Housing 5 is supported by a leg assembly and caster wheelswhich allow system 1 to be a self-standing unit. A drain is located atthe bottom of housing 5 to allow fluid to be drained from system 1. Thedrain is connected to drain tubing that includes a ball valve (or othersuitable valve) for opening and closing the drain as desired.

In operation, cavity 10 of either the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9through 12 or that of FIG. 13 is filled with frozen items 30 and placedwithin housing 5 which is filled with defrosting fluid. The level ofdefrosting fluid is preferably above the level of the mass of frozenitems 30 located within the cavity. When either system is operated topush fluid up through cavity 10 by propeller 9, as fluid is pumped upfrom propeller 9 and into cavity 10, the upward force will push upwardinto the frozen items located within cavity 10. This will tend to causethe items to “float” and move slightly upward, around and/or apart fromone another, thereby potentially increasing defrosting efficiency.

As is discussed above, to create the flow of fluid through the entirevolume of cavity 10, particularly when cavity 10 is full of frozen items30, the pumping system in this embodiment must be powerful enough tocreate a column of fluid that can blast through the entire flood planecreated within filled cavity 10. In some embodiments shown in FIGS. 9through 13, a pumping system capable of pumping roughly 9000 gallons offluid per minute is utilized to create approximately a ten inch diameterby 10 inch high column of moving fluid within cavity 10. Nevertheless,it will be appreciated that either higher or lower capacity pumpingsystems will be utilized, depending upon the desired flowcharacteristics, load capacity, and other design considerations.

During operation of the pumping system of some embodiments, the entirevolume of cavity 10 is continuously exchanging fluid as fluid flowsthrough the pumping system and back through cavity 10. The column offluid or flow of fluid through cavity 10 of such embodiments includes across section area that is at least equal to, and preferably greaterthan the cross-section area of the items being defrosted within cavity10. Thus, the entire area of the items are exposed to the flow of fluidthrough cavity 10.

one embodiment of the instant invention, the primary components ofsystem 1 described herein are all manufactured of stainless steel fordurability and to prevent rusting. Nevertheless, it will be appreciatedthat any suitable materials for the various components may be utilizedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

Although shown and described herein as a single cavity, it will beappreciated that cavity 10 of the instant invention in some embodimentsactually consist of multiple individual cavities or compartments withina single housing. In various embodiments such cavities or compartmentswill be arranged horizontally (i.e. stacked on top of one another) orvertically (i.e. located side by side of one another), or in any otherarrangement desired. It will be appreciated that the singular term“cavity” as used herein and particularly as used in the appended claims,is intended to refer to one or more cavities or compartments.Furthermore, it will be appreciated that other singular terms(including, but not limited to “opening”, “port”, “perforation”, “side”,“wall”, “intake”, “discharge”, “mass”, “rack”) as used herein, andparticular as used in the appended claims, are intended to refer to oneof more of such components.

In a preferred embodiment, motor 60 is a 110 volt motor providingincreased flexibility over larger motors. It will be appreciated that invarious embodiments other components will be included in system 1without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

In yet another embodiment, the cavity 10 includes a basket 305. Thebasket is configured to restrain and/or space frozen items 30 within thecavity during the defrosting process. In one embodiment, the basket 305is removable so that defrosting is capable of being accomplished with orwithout utilizing the basket 305. In another embodiment, a plurality ofremovable baskets 305 are provided so as to provide alternativerestraining and/or spacing capabilities. In some embodiments, thecross-members of the frame are designed to create a clamping forceagainst surfaces of the frozen items (e.g. the members are spaced apartless than a thickness of the item being held) to prevent the items fromfloating within the fluid. In other embodiments the members are spacedapart more than a thickness of the item(s) being held such that noclamping force is applied.

In some embodiments of the method of inventive concept, the controlsystem measures/identifies a beginning temperature of the fluid withinthe cavity/tank of the defrost system before any frozen items are placedwithin the fluid. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that in otherembodiments the control system will measure/identify a beginningtemperature of the fluid after frozen items are placed within the fluid.

In some embodiments in which the system first measures a beginningtemperature before frozen items are added, the system will operate in a“standby” mode until a target temperature for the fluid is maintained.In some such embodiments, the system will also operate in “standby” modeuntil a target system fluid level is obtained. In some embodiments, oncethe system is in “ready” mode (e.g. target temperature is obtained andtarget fluid level is obtained) the frozen items are added to the fluid.In some embodiments, this is indicated to a system user via illuminationof a “ready” light that notifies the user that items should be loadedinto the system. In some embodiments, a pump is initiated in standbymode and/or in ready mode to introduce heat into the fluid created bythe motion of the fluid, ambient room heat and/or operational frictionand other ambient heat sources, until the fluid reaches the targettemperature. In some embodiments, supplemental heat (e.g. from a heatingelement) is introduced into the fluid to in standby mode and/or in readymode to introduce heat into the fluid. In some such embodiments,supplemental heat is introduced into the fluid to offset an initialtemperature decrease that occurs as a result of frozen items beingplaced into the fluid immediately after a user loads such items. In somesuch embodiments, the supplemental heat is discontinued after anoriginal beginning temperature and/or target temperature for the fluidis reached, and heat is introduced thereafter into the fluid through themotion of the fluid, ambient room heat and/or operational friction andother ambient heat sources. Once a predetermined “complete” temperatureis reached in the fluid, a “complete” alert message is initiatedindicating that the product is thawed and ready for removal from thefluid. The complete target temperature of the fluid is determined basedupon various factors such as beginning temperature and/or beginningtarget temperature, fluid volume, estimated frozen load size, shape andtemperature and thermodynamic properties and principles applied thereto.In some embodiments, when a second predetermined upper temperatureset/target point is reached, the control system initiates a heightened“complete” alert message to alert the user that items are thawed andshould be removed from the fluid.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventionsis by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited tothe exact details shown or described. For instance, it is understoodthat a variety of water flow machines, such as those described in the'436 Patent, the '496 Patent, the '534 Application, and the '984Application, will in various embodiments be modified to accomplish theinventive systems and methods of the present invention.

Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention hasbeen described by reference to exemplary embodiments, and the best modecontemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown anddescribed, it will be understood that certain changes, modification orvariations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in theconstruction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein,may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modificationor variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope ofthe present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover thepresent invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, orequivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of theunderlying principles disclosed and claimed herein (including, but notlimited to any and all combinations of one or more components from oneembodiment disclosed herein with one or more components from anotherembodiment disclosed herein or from other embodiments hereinafterdeveloped). Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intendedto be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in theabove description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used,the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new anduseful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices,elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in theappended claims.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A defrosting system comprising: a housingincluding a cavity for holding defrosting fluid and locating frozenitems during operation; a pumping system in fluid communication with thedefrosting fluid, the pumping system being moveable between a standbyconfiguration and an operating configuration, wherein the pumping systemis configured to circulate defrosting fluid through said cavity and bysaid frozen items when the pumping system is in the operatingconfiguration; a control system in communication with the pumpingsystem; and a temperature sensor in data communication with the controlsystem, the temperature sensor being configured to monitor thetemperature of the defrosting fluid; wherein the control system obtainsa temperature reading from the temperature sensor, wherein the controlsystem comprises a plurality of logic structures for comparing thetemperature reading to temperature ranges, the logic structurescomprising: a first logic structure for comparing the temperaturereading to a first temperature range; a second logic structure forcomparing the temperature reading to a second temperature range if thetemperature reading is outside of the first temperature range; and athird logic structure for comparing the temperature reading to a thirdtemperature range if the temperature reading is outside of the first andsecond temperature ranges wherein the first temperature range isassociated with a preferred operating temperature, wherein the secondtemperature range has a maximum temperature value that is greater than amaximum temperature value of the first temperature range, and whereinthe third temperature range has a maximum temperature value that isgreater than a maximum temperature value of the second temperaturerange.
 2. The defrosting system of claim 1, further comprising a heaterin thermal communication with the defrosting fluid, a fourth logicstructure of the control system being configured to move the heater froman off configuration to an on configuration if the temperature readingis below the first temperature range, thereby causing the heater totransfer heat energy into the defrosting fluid.
 3. The defrosting systemof claim 1, further comprising a first indicator in data communicationwith the control system, the first logic structure of the control systembeing configured to move the first indicator from an off configurationto an on configuration if the temperature reading is within the firsttemperature range, thereby providing an indication to at least one ofthe control system and a user that the frozen items may be moved intothe defrosting fluid.
 4. The defrosting system of claim 3, furthercomprising a second indicator in data communication with the controlsystem, the second logic structure of the control system beingconfigured to move the second indicator from an off configuration to anon configuration if the temperature reading is within the secondtemperature range and above the maximum temperature value of the firsttemperature range, thereby providing an indication to at least one ofthe control system and a user that the temperature of the defrostingfluid should be reduced.
 5. The defrosting system of claim 4, furthercomprising a third indicator in data communication with the controlsystem, the third logic structure of the control system being configuredto move the third indicator from an off configuration to an onconfiguration if the temperature reading is within the third temperaturerange and above the maximum temperature value of the second temperaturerange, thereby providing an indication to at least one of the controlsystem and a user that at least some of the defrosting fluid should bereplaced with defrosting fluid having a lower temperature.
 6. Thedefrosting system of claim 5, further comprising a fourth indicator indata communication with the control system, a fourth logic structure ofthe control system being configured to move the fourth indicator from anoff configuration to an on configuration if the temperature reading isabove the maximum temperature value of the third temperature range,thereby providing an indication to a user that the items should beremoved from the defrosting fluid.
 7. The defrosting system of claim 1,further comprising an indicator in data communication with the controlsystem, the second logic structure of the control system beingconfigured to move the indicator from an off configuration to an onconfiguration if the temperature reading is within the secondtemperature range and above the maximum temperature value of the firsttemperature range, thereby providing an indication to at least one ofthe control system and a user that the temperature of the defrostingfluid should be reduced.
 8. The defrosting system of claim 1, furthercomprising an indicator in data communication with the control system, afourth logic structure of the control system being configured to movethe indicator from an off configuration to an on configuration if thetemperature reading is above the maximum temperature value of the thirdtemperature range, thereby providing an indication to a user that theitems should be removed from the defrosting fluid.
 9. A method ofutilizing a defrosting system to defrost items, the method comprising:holding defrosting fluid within a cavity of a housing; locating frozenitems in the defrosting fluid; moving a pumping system from a standbyconfiguration to an operating configuration, thereby causing the pumpingsystem to circulate defrosting fluid through the cavity and by thefrozen items; utilizing a temperature sensor to monitor the temperatureof the defrosting fluid; obtaining by a control system a firsttemperature reading from the temperature sensor; comparing by thecontrol system the first temperature reading to: a first temperaturerange; a second temperature range having a maximum temperature valuethat is greater than a maximum temperature value of the firsttemperature range; and a third temperature range having a maximumtemperature value that is greater than the maximum temperature value ofthe second temperature range; and changing by the control system aconfiguration of the defrosting system based on the comparison of thefirst temperature reading to at least one of the first, second, andthird temperature ranges.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thedefrosting system is changed from a standard configuration to a heatingconfiguration if the first temperature value is below a minimumtemperature value of the first temperature range, wherein the defrostingsystem is moved to the heating configuration by the control systemmoving a heater of the defrosting system from a first configuration to asecond configuration, thereby causing the heater to transfer heat energyto the defrosting fluid.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein thedefrosting system is changed from a standard configuration to a coolingconfiguration if the first temperature value is within the secondtemperature range and above a maximum temperature value of the firsttemperature range.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprisingobtaining by the control system a second temperature reading from thetemperature sensor and comparing the second temperature reading to thefirst temperature range, wherein the defrosting system is changed fromthe cooling configuration to the standard configuration if the secondtemperature reading is within the first temperature range.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the defrosting system is changed to a fluidreplacement configuration if the first temperature value is within thethird temperature range and above a maximum temperature value of thesecond temperature range.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein thedefrosting system is changed to an alert configuration if the firsttemperature value is above a maximum value of the third temperaturerange.
 15. A method of defrosting items, the method comprising: fillinga cavity of a defrosting system with defrosting fluid; obtaining a firsttemperature reading of the defrosting fluid while the defrosting systemis in a standby mode; comparing the first temperature reading to a firstpredetermined temperature range; utilizing a control system of thedefrosting system to move the defrosting system from the standby mode toa ready mode if the first temperature reading is within the firsttemperature range; locating a frozen item within the cavity when thedefrosting system is in the ready mode; moving the defrosting systemfrom the ready mode to a defrosting mode by developing a flow ofdefrosting fluid within the cavity so as to increase heat transferbetween the frozen item and the defrosting fluid; obtaining a secondtemperature reading of the defrosting fluid; and comparing the secondtemperature reading to a second predetermined temperature range.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: performing a cooling process forcooling the defrosting fluid if the second temperature reading is abovea maximum value of the second predetermined temperature range, whereinthe cooling step comprises at least one of: drawing heat energy from theexisting defrosting fluid; and adding new defrosting fluid to theexisting defrosting fluid, wherein the new defrosting fluid has anaverage temperature below the maximum value of the second predeterminedtemperature range.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least some ofthe new defrosting fluid is frozen when it is added to the existingdefrosting fluid.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:comparing the second temperature reading to a third predeterminedtemperature range; and adding heat to the defrosting fluid if the secondtemperature reading is below a minimum value of the third predeterminedtemperature range.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein heat is added tothe defrosting fluid by moving a heater from a first configuration to asecond configuration, thereby causing the heater to transfer heat energyto the defrosting fluid, the method further comprising: obtaining athird temperature reading of the defrosting fluid while the heater is inthe second configuration; comparing the third temperature reading to thethird predetermined temperature range; moving the heater from its secondconfiguration to its first configuration if the third temperaturereading is within the third predetermined temperature range.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the controller moves the heater between itsfirst and second configurations.